More Consistency in Your Golf Swing

Author: ukibas  |  Category: Tips
golf-swing

golf-swing

A consistent swing is probably what many golfers dream of when our heads hit the pillow.

First, let us do a little review of the golf swing. To hit the ball squarely on the center of the club head you must take the club through the proper swing path. A proper swing path will allow the club to align itself correctly with the ball to hit the shot you are trying to hit.

Anyway, this process begins with your address, moves through your take away, into the back swing, onto the transition between back swing and down swing, into contact, and finishes with the follow through.

The keys to a consistent swing are: 1) efficient golf swing mechanics and 2) the body. Golf Swing Mechanics

Golf Swing mechanics is probably the easier of the two areas to understand. Beginning at address, moving through all the stages of the golf swing, and finishing with the follow through, the body is required to move through a specific sequence of movements to perform the golf swing correctly. If the body does not move through this sequence properly then the result will be a poor, inefficient and awkward looking swing.

Over time, a poor swing results in poor consistency (every once in awhile you hit a good shot regardless of your swing, that’s what keeps us coming back for more). In addition to the body performing an intricate number of biomechanical movements in the golf swing, timing of these movements is critical for you to hit the ball successfully.

Each and every biomechanical movement within the golf swing has a certain sequence and timing. If they are not performed in the correct order or timing, then the golf swing will not be efficient. Poor timing results in those wonderful slices, snap hooks, chili dips and topping the ball that we know all too well.

Now, how do we improve on the mechanics of the golf swing? 2) Practice, practice, practice. Fix the Engine that Swings the Club

One question might help you realize the importance of “the body” when it comes to the golf swing. What swings the golf club?

Some of the answers I have heard are: “my hands,” “the swing,” “my hips” and even “the grip.” The answer is your body. It is the body that swings the club. So why is this so important to consistency in your golf game?

We know from our golf lessons, that there are certain positions the body is required to be in during the golf swing. Now, from the address position your body must move the club on the correct path and generate club head speed to hit the ball accurately and with power. What most people do not understand is that for the body to perform the golf swing correctly, certain parameters need to be met by the body. If your body does not have the minimal levels of these factors in relation to the golf swing, then what do you think will happen? Well, let me tell you, it will be very difficult for the body to swing the club with the correct mechanics. So what does consistency in my golf swing really come down to?

It is vital to understand that improvements in your golf swing mechanics and improvements in your body specific to golf are equally important when it comes to creating a consistent golf swing. If you ignore either the body or the mechanics, it would be safe to say that your golf swing and game will suffer. Take some time on a routine basis to address both the mechanics of your swing and the body supporting it.

By Sean Cochran

Golf Stretching and Exercises Improving Your Golf Swing

Author: ukibas  |  Category: Tips

swing

Golf fitness stretching and corollary golf exercises are an easy way to improve your golf swing. The utilization of golf exercises within a golf fitness program can enhance many aspects of the golf swing and your golf game.

The amateur golfer can improve their ability to execute the golf swing, complete a full shoulder turn, generate more clubhead speed, and hit more accurate shots with improved flexibility. The process an amateur golfer can improve their flexibility is through golf stretches.

Flexibility refers to range of motion. Increased flexibility is the benefit of stretching. These benefits occur through the elongation (i.e. stretching) of soft tissues (muscles, tendons, ligaments). Golf stretches (i.e. elongating) these muscles alleviates these muscles alleviates these restrictions allowing for the ranges of motion required of the golf swing to develop.

Because the golf swing requires a large range of motion from multiple joints (ankle, hip, thoracic spine, and shoulder), I suggest performing a series of flexibility exercises for the entire body. Many golfers will find “tightness” in the hamstrings, hips, lower, and upper back causing restrictions in their joint range of motions as well as golf swing.

Guidelines to golf stretches are quite simple. In addition to performing golf stretches multiple times per week each exercise should be take each target muscle passively to the point of “tension” and holding the stretch for 30 seconds.

The placement of golf fitness stretches in a golf training program is one step to improvement in your golf swing. If your body lacks the flexibility to perform this requirement of the golf swing, the ability to execute and efficient golf swing will be compromised.

By Sean Cochran